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Life is a roller coaster

This past week, my husbands side of the family have had to work through a difficult situation regarding a loved one. Out of deference to them, I won’t share the ins and outs but I can tell you that things are starting to come together with some solutions being settled on by all concerned.

What I love about family is this:

Whether related by blood or by marriage, we all matter.

In this upsetting and emotional time, and without anyone deliberately spelling it out, we all played to our strengths, each one slotting in where they fit, using their individual skills to seek resolutions to problems.

What really struck me as we haunted hospital corridors and the cafeteria, occasionally getting lost, waiting ad infinitum for medical staff to show up, was how much we were all supporting one another.

Each person wanted to relieve the burden of another. Each person sought to help and offer to do whatever needed to be done at any given time.

Working around schedules, kids, tiredness and stress, we managed to still laugh with each other, to offer a hug when needed, allow someone to vent when required and generally just be there for one another.

Whilst I would never want what has happened to happen, it has shown what we are made of – collectively and individually. And I’ve gained just that little bit more appreciation for what it means to be a part of this family and a little bit more appreciation for each individual in it.

Life is a roller coaster, and this week we felt every twist, every turn, every heart stopping drop. And instead of screaming, or throwing up!, we have hung on, grabbed the hand of the person next to us and tried to make the best of it.

So thank you, Friis family…you’re all amazing. I feel so blessed to know and love you 🙂

First of all, I’m sorry your family has been through a rough patch and glad that you seem to be coming out on the other side.

I so resonated with this post, Susannah, having just emerged from an intense family time surrounding the death of my father. I, too, observed the fascinating family dynamics, the unique personalities of each of Dad’s five children with each other and with my mother, and the way each, in his or her own way, contributed significantly to the bittersweet beauty of the whole week.

I am reminded of Eleanor Roosevelt’s great quote: “A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.” Certainly a true sentiment, and not just for women.

So sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. I think times of stress really show who we all are don’t you? The good and the bad! I love that quote, in fact, I love so much of what Eleanor Roosevelt said.
I’ll be praying for peace, harmony and unity as you all navigate your way as a family through this time x